“Who do you think you are?” “Stay in your lane.” “You can’t do that!” “If I can’t have it, then nobody can!”
We have all heard statements like these before from those in our social circles.
These statements can be applied to the metaphor known as the “crab-in-a-bucket” mentality.
When used in a negative context, the question, “Who do you think you are?” is used as a weapon to immobilize an ambitious person within a particular social circle.
The group member, for example, shares their goals and dreams with the other members. But, the group believes the ambitious person needs to be “taken down a peg or two.”
Why?
Because the group feels the goals and dreams of the ambitious member are unattainable. Furthermore, the group views it as a disruption and will fight to maintain the status quo.
What does this question convey to the listener?
It says:
- “Your plans have failed before, so maybe you’re not cut out for it.”
- “You are not skilled enough or good enough to accomplish those things, so just get that notion out of your head.”
- “You’re a loser and an idiot that can’t do anything right.”“You need to “get your head out of the clouds” and return to planet Earth.
- “You will never make it, and you won’t go far.”
- “You don’t have what it takes because you lack the skills, talent, and resources to accomplish it.”
- “You’re just fantasizing. It will never come to fruition.”
- “Nobody in the family has done that before; who are you kidding?”
- “You want to do what? Are you nuts? What planet are you on?”
So, how should you react to the question, “Who do think you are?”
Don’t react in anger, but use it to confirm that you’re on the right track. The negative words of skeptics must be taken with a “grain of salt.”
Innovators, as great as they are, have never escaped resistance from those doubters who aren’t progressive. They’ve never needed permission; they merely had to be brave enough to move forward.
The same goes for the ambitious person with goals and dreams. There’s no need to seek permission or approval from your social circle to proceed.
You just need to get started and propel forward!
Don’t allow fear of criticism or rejection to deter you from the path of achievement. Stay firm on your journey because it takes courage to do what has never been done.
And, focus, focus, focus!
That’s what it takes to ignore the noise.
“What noise? You may ask.”
The noise of angry chatter from the naysayers that insist, “It can’t be done” and “Even if it could be done, you’re not the one qualified to do it.”
The crab-in-the-bucket mentality question, “Who do you think you are?” is essentially a put-down by those who can’t fathom stepping out of the position they’ve permanently placed themselves into.
They inhabit their comfort zones — the crab bucket. The place they’ve attempted to pull you back into— the place where you belong.
Why?
Because they believe you are “one of them” — the group that’s satisfied with being stagnant — and afraid to approach challenges.
This group tends to maintain a “what if” mindset while resting snuggly in their plush beds of slothfulness and mediocrity.
Of course, you could be labeled “one of them” because you share some commonalities, but your mindset is what sets you apart.
What kind of mindset?
A go-getter’s mindset that says,“I believe I can do better, and I will do better because I’ve got the stock to do so.”
Finally, react to them by accomplishing all your goals and dreams so then you’ll be able to answer their question, “Who do you think you are.” Don’t allow others to hinder you from striving toward success!
Thank you for reading my story! If you’ve found this story inspiring or interesting, please don’t hesitate to like, comment, and share.